More than 10,000 people turn 65 in the U.S. every day according
to Aging.gov (http://www.hhs.gov/aging/), a new website
recently launched by the Obama administration.
The goal of this website is to act as gateway for older Americans and
their families, friends and caregivers to locate information about leading a healthy
lifestyle, options for health care, preventing elder abuse, and retirement
planning.
Healthy Aging
According to the website, healthy eating habits, physical
activity, and involvement in your community help contribute to living a long,
productive, and meaningful life. This
section of the website offers links to dietary guidelines for older Americans,
the American Dietetic Association, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Senior
Health website, and resources for volunteering and senior employment.
Health Issues
According to the website, focusing on preventive care,
managing health conditions, and understanding medications help contribute to an
increased quality of life. This section
of the website offers links to various Medicare resources (hospital compare,
home health compare, dialysis facility compare); information about mental
health, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; information about other specific
diseases, conditions and injuries (arthritis, cancer, diabetes, fall
prevention, hearing, heart and lung, HIV/AIDs, vision); and resources for
medications (Medicare prescription drug coverage) and treatments.
Long-Term Care
According to the website, long-term care – either through
in-home assistance, community programs, or residential facilities – allows you
to stay active and accomplish everyday tasks.
This section of the website offers links for finding home care and
assisted living facilities; resources for caregivers; securing benefits
(Benefits.gov, Medicare.gov); planning for long-term care (LongTermCare.gov,
Medicaid.gov); veteran’s services; and preparing for end of life (Advance
Directives, funeral planning, organ donation).
Elder Justice
According to the website, millions of older Americans
encounter abuse, neglect, exploitation, or discrimination each year. This section of the website offers links to
help you identify scams, prevent fraud, address senior housing issues, stop elder
abuse, and find legal assistance.
Retirement Planning
& Security
According to the website, planning for retirement will allow
you to enjoy financial security as you age without the risk of outliving your
assets. This section of the website
offers links to resources for retirement planning, understanding your
employer’s retirement plan, and investing (IRAs, investing wisely for seniors,
preventing financial fraud).
State Resources
The final section of the website points out that resources
to support older Americans and their families, friends and caregivers can vary
from state to state and offers links to the departments of aging for all 50
states and the District of Columbia.
Final Thoughts on
Aging.gov
Aging.gov offers a
diverse amount of information to help you or a loved one navigate the
challenges of growing older. Instead of
randomly searching for guidance and advice, this website is a good starting
point for locating more specific information related to aging healthy, wealthy,
and wise.
To comply with the U.S. Treasury regulations, we must inform you that (i) any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this newsletter was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal tax penalties that may be imposed on such person and (ii) each taxpayer should seek advice from their tax adviser based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances.
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